Fultra, the parent company of Fruehauf, has acquired East Manufacturing, expanding Fultra's trailer footprint in North America after returning Fruehauf to production in the United States last year.

With East Manufacturing, Fultra’s trailer production capacity in North America will approach 13,000 units per year, according to Tom Wiseman, who will serve as CEO for both East and Fruehauf.

The trailer's a 1950 Fruehauf insulated van with fluted stainless steel sides and nicely painted sills, undercarriage and running gear. Its maroon color matched the fenders and chassis on the ...

Fruehauf next came up with the powered fifth wheel, using a driveshaft off the truck’s engine, which allowed the rig driver to un-couple the trailer from his cab.